David Flink '98 Named a CNN Hero of the Year

Galloway graduate David Flink '98 has been named one of CNN's Top 10 Heroes of the Year for 2021 for his dedication to helping children who have learning differences succeed. 

As a child, David struggled focusing in school, and he didn't understand why he couldn't learn the way other students did until he was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia at age 11. With the support of his parents and Galloway, David graduated and went to Brown University. At Brown, he quickly found a community of students who also had learning differences and started a mentoring program with five other students for nearby elementary school students who had a learning disability.

David's Eye to Eye program pairs middle school children who have a learning difference with a college or high school mentor who also has a learning difference. The organization is in 150 schools nationwide and has more than 1,350 mentees impacting middle school children each week. Eighty percent of Eye to Eye students graduate from college -- an impressive rate considering children with learning disabilities are three times more likely to drop out of high school.

All heroes were all nominated by CNN viewers and selected by CNN to receive a $10,000 prize. We encourage all Scots to vote for David to receive an additional $100,000 for his cause! "The 15th Annual CNN Heroes All-Star Tribute" will be hosted by Anderson Cooper and Kelly Ripa on Sunday, December 12, at 8 PM. Join us in tuning in and cheering for David!